SARGF study reveals link between sports betting and problem gambling
According to the study, higher levels of sports betting participation are directly linked to an increased risk of problem gambling.
South Africa.- The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has released a study on the factors influencing participation in sports betting in South Africa.
Presented by SARGF’s Executive Director, Sibongile Simelane-Quintana, at the just-concluded Responsible Gambling Summit, the research analysed how demographic and socio-economic variables (such as gender, age, education, employment status, income and province) interact with advertising exposure and financial pressures to shape betting habits.
According to the study, higher levels of sports betting participation are directly linked to an increased risk of problem gambling, especially among vulnerable demographic groups who may be more susceptible due to economic or psychological factors.
Simelane-Quintana noted that although the research sought to thoroughly examine the link between sports betting participation and problem gambling, it has some limitations that must be acknowledged. She said: “Firstly, the reliance on self-reported data may introduce response bias, as participants might underreport or exaggerate their gambling activities due to social desirability or recall inaccuracies.
“Secondly, the cross-sectional nature of the study restricts the ability to infer causality between sports betting and the development of problem gambling; longitudinal data would be necessary to establish temporal relationships.”
Simelane-Quintana added that the sample might not fully capture the diversity of all demographic groups, especially those with limited digital access or from remote areas, which could impact “the generalisability of the findings”.
By conducting research and gathering data-driven insights, SARGF aims to inform and improve policy, awareness and prevention strategies related to gambling behaviour in South Africa.
